You can even get pancakes. This speakeasy is for the swanky cocktail lovers out there in the world. The food menu is just as youd expect with an inventive twist: pastrami popcorn, gefilte croquettes and vodka, and dill lox. I have only been to the Gramercy location, which I recommend and have linked above. But at night it turns into a little restaurant/bar thats perfect for an early-in-the-game date. Please also note, I have been to the majority of these places on actual dates, and I typically dont take pictures on my dates bc its rude AF. During the day, DTUT serves as a local coffee shop, and that vibe carries over into the night. 
Pil Pil is a good tapas place on 78th near 2nd, again pretty small and intimate. Walk into Ethyls with your boo by your side, and believe us, itll feel like youve just walked into Studio 54 at its prime, and in the best way possible. Classic Carrie Bradshaw. Sort of like something youd find in Nolita. While definitely known for the beers on tap, the cocktail list is pretty inventive, with one menu section wholly devoted to flavored Mules and another to flavored gin/vodka tonics. They do have food here, but its pricy and just small bites. I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? I am looking for a casual place that is good for a date on Friday night. On the flip side, if your date is going well, its a super fun place to knock back some beers and eat some comfort pub food. Which seems like something a French person would do. Editors note: *Must love Bee Gees.*. The point is, youve both decided that you might not dislike each other, and now you need somewhere to sit down and eat while you figure out how many more times you want to do this.
So, Im just going to give you the whole rundown on different spots and why I think they are great. I recommend Dear Irving for drinks and atmosphere. These bar restaurants are known for their drinks, but most of them offer dining menus as well. Think: alcoholic glow in the dark Capri Suns. Granted, I havent been here since 2014, but the reviews Im reading on the Internet seem to agree with my stance. This is a casual Swiss spot with a good old shareable fondue pot and a good drink selection. Theres a relaxed vibe thats hard to find nowadays, so much so that you might just become a regular. Amali isnt Daniel-expensive, but your wallet will lose a little weight here, so save this place for when youre at least 75% sure that you like the person youre about to eat with. If you squint, this place looks like a brick house in the Italian countryside - and if you really squint, it look looks like your eyelids. And if youre looking for a full-day date, go to the Bontanical Garden beforehand! Yes, I am embarrassing and one time got pancakes. Dante is that nice balance of refined and casual, with a hip and busy geographic location.
It was a good choice. So, I had to include this place. NYC Restaurant Week Deals Perfect for Date Night, Add your number and we'll text you a link to. During the day, this place is a cafe. Felice 83 is owned by the same people behind the Sant Ambroeus mini-chain, so expect consistency and good vibes. Come with me and you'll be in a world of pure imagination. Yefsi does a good plate of octopus, and were down with their meatballs and kebabs. Heres my suggested order: soup dumplings at one place, hot pot at another place, then pork buns at Mei Li Wah Bakery. There wont be much pressure here. Its fast-paced, but intimate, with servers rolling carts with different dishes around the room, and diners stopping them to put in their order. Apotheke considers itself to be a cocktail apothecary with a unique cocktail menu designed for different needs. If you want a lively bar to enjoy a drink with a first date and assess the potential of the relationship, this is definitely the place. Who doesnt love free things? You must get the khachapuri to share, and then take it from there. You might feel like youre in France here, and thats usually a good feeling for date night. Sebastian and I went to a burlesque show here one time and it was a lot of fun! Overall, this is just a nice little bistro. Theres something for everyone: you have fun cocktails, or classic cocktailsyou have light bites or main coursesyou can sit at the bar for uber casual vibes (thats what I did) or you can get a table. I filmed an episode of Sipping with Skyler at the Wayland, and I immediately thought it would be the perfect spot for a first date. Having been in NYC for 8+ years, Ive done my fair share of dating here. Required fields are marked *. This is a local spot, with relaxed vibes. I went here with Sebastian early on in our relationship, and I honestly forget if there is food. Thats what you order here. Up Thai is romantic in its own way. Thats where Brindle Room comes in. And there's a 21+ policy after 6 p.m, which means no screaming children during your date night! Theres a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to UES nightlife, and there are spots for every kind of couple. On the flip side, if you want bustling loud bar/restaurant vibes, this is not your place. If you are not a wine drinker or a cheese eater, please skip this recommendation and move onto the next one. The vibes of the restaurant (and the cocktail bar in the hotel) are classy and enchanting, and the food at the restaurant is lights out. If youre looking for the Hong Kong in NYC experience, go to my next suggestion instead. Cute, romantic atmosphere, delicious food, and prime location? Dim sum is a fun and interactive meal, and as someone who studied Cantonese cuisine in Hong Kong, I will say this isnt the most authentic (a little bit westernized), but its a solid choice with trendier vibes. The road is more of a street and the house is more a wine bar, but you probably didnt take that name literally. Your waiter will probably have a French accent, there are outdoor cafe tables, and you can eat an entre-sized portion of steak tartare. How far upper and how far east? This article posted at this web site is in fact pleasant. Heres a romantic hidden West Village gem for you! Talk about charming. I love going to fun restaurants or bars with unique cuisines, and authentic experiences. So bring a date, grab a table in the back, and share some noodles and crispy duck. I went here for light bites and negronis with a fellow foodie. I have divided this article into two different sections: drinks-forward, and food-forward. Its a pub, but a nice one. Im an adventurous dater. Its a great spot to go after work, for dinner, or even for lunch its almost always bustling. Alas, this article is about restaurants and bars, so I will keep it strictly about that! Now, isnt that romantic? Chinatown is cheap, so this will not break the bank and its a fun adventure! I used to suggest Westville as a reliable place to dine out with someone Im still getting to know. I also want to preface that these are my opinions, and I am a relatively happy diner and drinker. You must get the chicken. Let this guide help pave the way for your Upper East exploration. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Thats what youll find at Iggys, so if belting tunes onstage in front of strangers isnt your thing, you might want to turn around. If youre on a date, you will probably be seated at a communal table, which I find to be really fun and an additional element to the experience! If youre trying to impress your date with your elevated taste and a special upscale speakeasy experience, Dear Irving is the spot. What do you think? Come here when you want to show someone how much knowledge you have. I also think there are different dates for different tastes. The vibes are fun and it is almost always crowded on the weekend. Come here less for the food, and more for the comedy show. I once broke-up with someone here, but that doesnt mean its not a great date spot! Let me just say this: the food is overpriced for what it is, but I went here with Sebastian and we had a good time because it was just a fun experience! But, that doesnt change my opinion that I think it would have been a great romantic date spot! Can you tell I like to be adventurous with my dining date spots?! For our 4th, we went to the bronx Botanical Gardens and ate dinner in the Bronx Little Italy. Lillies is a busy bar-restaurant, thats very popular for after work drinks and dinner, plus it gets even more packed on weekends. Upstairs, theres a casual grab-and-go taco joint. Behind a door lined with empty ice cream cartons is the shops secret bar. I once went on a third date here and it felt like the perfect place. This is a Mediterranean place that works with local farms, and the dining room is un-stuffy and modern - so you and your date can plausibly pretend that youre both downtown. Cheap, Fun, and something very NYC, Wine + park = open container summons? You get a table front and center, drinks and American comfort food options on the menu. You can come here for brunch, lunch or dinner, but since its naturally dark inside, I recommend going at night. There are two locations, and Ive been to the Union Square location. While I havent been here in a few years, I remember their meatball sliders to be the best Ive ever had, and their burger is lights out. You can come here for a full meal, or you can come here to just have a drink and split a burger. With a nondescript exterior and cozy, dimly-lit interior, this is the kind of place youll stay for hours without realizing 10 minutes have passed. Use your judgement on what you like. Casual bar for wine and small plates? If youre looking for a cool, underground scene and some reliable Mexican food and cocktails, La Esquina Brasserie is just the place. Moving on from that, relationship dates didnt require as much alcohol, but more great food and romantic-ish vibes. The restaurant is authentically Georgian (we had it verified by one of our Georgian friends) with delicious comforting dishes and a Georgian wine selection. So, if Im using a stock image, thats why. No matter what stage of the relationship youre in, these places make for great date spots. If you havent been to Bronx Little Italy yet, I highly recommend checking it out. The vibes are casual and romantic, but Pierre Loti is usually very busy, which obviously makes a first date less awkward.
Drinks to try: The Girls Gossip on the East, served with a flaming strip of corn husk or the Heres Looking At You Bradshaw, delivered with its own condom and cigarette. This place is like an elevated pub, and its open until 4AM for those very successful dates that go too long. Nom Wah has been open since 1920, so it is old school, but its not like what you get in Hong Kong. Yes, we just quoted Willy Wonka, and heres why. Your email address will not be published. Iggys is a great spot for breaking up the normal date-night routine or for couples who just dont give a f*ck and simply want to belt out a duet to Aint No Mountain High Enough. The vibes are so chill that it will feel like youre in your living room enjoying each others company and great food. The food at Uva is also pretty good. But where to begin? This place can get pretty crowded on a weekend, but if youre looking to live out your disco date-night dreams, look no further. Yes, a speakeasy above a Jewish delicatessen you really cant get more UES than that. For those happy hour and IPA lovers, Bua Bar is the place for your date. Also, there are two frozen yogurt shops on 2nd between 81st and 82nd if you want to wander and get something sweet later. I'm (25/m) looking to have dinner with a girl(24/f still in school) I just met but seems like a lot of the places I am being recommended are little to fancy for my taste. Press J to jump to the feed. There are a few other Felice locations in the city (including a wine bar next door), and they have all the design stuff down. Its the perfect balance between exotic and playing it safe, because the menu really does have something for everyone. While the date didnt work out, I was impressed with the date spot. Or, if your date isnt impressed by awesome things, go for the brisket or lobster ones. Usually, any food-forward spot has a great drink selection. You get drinks and a show. Spot Dessert bar isnt just giving scoops of ice cream and slices of cake, they have unique sweet creations that make dining fun and an experience. The dining room itself is sort of nautical-themed, and it gets dark and romantic at night. Its pricey, but if you want someone to look at you and think of a meadow with birds that dont poop, this place is worth it. This small bar in the East Village has character and cozy vibes, but it also just radiates coolness. Great cocktails, great comfort food, and fun vibes. Whats the 2019 version of dinner and a movie? Its a good mix of healthy/unhealthy, although there are always a lot of vegetables on the menu. Not life-changing, but if you and a date have been lost in Central Park for three-plus hours, its one of your best last-minute date options on the east side. At the end of a hidden alleyway in the Lower East Side, youll find this quaint, low-key Colonial tavern. Freemans is the definition of understated and cool. I still am an adventurous dater, and my husband and I still to go on adventures together. On the menu, there are lots of exotic cocktails. For a wedding that takes place in a meadow, with birds flying overhead. Ive also done my fair share of eating, and honestly, more than my fair share of drinking (especially on dates.) The choice is yours. There are a few Westville locations around the city, but each of them is pretty small with a casual, cozy vibe. Birds that dont poop. If you want a pre/post-dinner activity, there's the Comic Strip Live comedy club on 2nd between 81st and 82nd. Straight-up: This is not a place for the faint of heart, so choose to live a little. Cafe Mogador is a casual and cozy Moroccan restaurant in the East Village (they also have a Brookyln location) that is good for a dinner, lunch or brunch date. Eastfields is from the same people behind The East Pole, but it feels younger. Please note, there is also another location, but Ive only been to the Gramercy spot. There are also multiple locations. I love the idea of trying new things together. In addition to the unique cocktails, you also get access to an entire absinthe menu, if youre into that. To be fully transparent, I went here on a friend date after a breakup. As for drinks, the names alone will give you a chuckle, but we suggest the Man-O-Manischewitz or the Icarus Parachute, which essentially tastes like an Early Grey Creamsicle dipped in Gin. The other dates Ive been on here were strictly in the drinks zone. Check. This place is an experience. But if it is, youre in for an incredible night. This filipino spot is hip, lively and the food is authentic, creative and delicious. But, we highly suggest you nom over the homemade tater tots. heres some more info about Lillies. .
This is the place for an efficient drinks-based first date, with a side of light bites. I love this place for a good late lunch because you miss the crowds. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Also, the prices are right for date night - not so low that you seem cheap, but not so expensive that youll be forced to dine-and-dash on your potential future spouse. Ive been here for a few dates, the best one obviously being with my husband, who wanted to share a fried chicken sandwich and mac n cheese with me. Not sure what to do for your next date night? A fun place thats in-between casual and fancy is The Penrose , I live nearby and usually take my first dates there since the prices are reasonable and they have excellent drinks. Need we say more?
There are beer bars, and speakeasies and discosoh my! Subscribe and well let you know when weve found yet another must-do experience. I think theres something fun about grabbing a taco on the street for dinner, and then heading to a full blown dessert restaurant for a date. Its interactive and fun, and a true cultural experience. You can get a little table in back and eat some seared salmon or a kale salad thats better than it needs to be. A romantic, delicious meal can be found at Flex Mussels, serving you bivalves shipped straight from the sea (of Prince Edward Island). The sheer number of options youll be faced with in terms of mussel treatments might be overwhelming, but thats why the staff are highly equipped to offer recommendationsand you really cant go wrong. The decor is both rustic, with dark, wooden furniture and historic, with Yiddish theater posters hanging on the walls. Punny chalk art covers the walls, adding some charming character to the ambiance. There are two locations, but Ive been to the West Village location, which I highly recommend! Theres always a good time to be had at Workshop, no matter the day of the week (note: Tuesdays are trivia night). Please read the sidebar on old.reddit.com/r/asknyc before posting since new reddit does not allow space for rules/links/guidance. I think it will be bad if I plan to go there and can't get a table. This bar is secluded on the far west side of the west village, and its definitely a spot for locals. All the spots for when you need to eat with someone youre into. The atmosphere is cozy and cool, the cocktails are creative, and they have a menu with classic shareable American comfort food dishes. This quintessential neighborhood bar will make the perfect setting for your date night. The food menu is pretty great, too, with items ranging from chicken sliders to mac n cheese. This is a true AF Hong Kong dim sum experience. From my dating history, I found that the food-forward date spots were more for the third-fifth date. Also primely located for going out afterwards. Happy hour is literally just an hour at this place, so to avoid crowds, you might want to head here directly post-work. So take someone here when you want to look like youre trying, but not too hard. Do yourself a favor and consult our fool-proof list. Its the perfect spot for when youre feeling too antisocial to do the whole bar scene, but not lazy enough to Netflix and Chill, CMX Cinebistro might be the perfect fit. I mean, we brown bagged a wine bottle in an uber and went to a party. If youre trying to impress someone, have some grasshopper tacos. Dinner and drinks served directly to you as you recline on your leather movie theater throne ~ahem~ we mean seat. If you dont get the chicken, you are doing it wrong. The food isnt going to blow your mind, but thatll help you focus on the task at hand: convincing this person sitting across from you that you floss daily and can do your own taxes. Go to the Gramercy location for drinks and if the date is going well, head out to Petes Tavern across the street and get a late night bite! Theres enough action going on around you to make any awkward moments completely not awkward. For example, first dates for me (except when I met my husband!) Cherry on topthey serve delicious $5 burgers all night long. Not the very best Italian on the Upper East Side, but also not the most expensive. You ever just want to go on a casual date at an understated cozy restaurant and eat the best burger of your life? It was an epic night, and such a fun experience. Now that Ive prefaced that. Ive been through the reunite after weeks apart in a long distance relationship dates, awkward tinder first dates that end in a how did I get this drunk, and the best first date of my life (and many more) with my now husband. Pay cash and move onto the next. This is not the place. The Pony Bar is a no-frills craft beer bar with over 20 American-brewed options on tap.
Seb and I came here a few years ago and dined in the intimate upstairs dining room. Yes, this place is shuckin awesome. Its intimate, quirky and definitely memorable.
There are vintage tables and chandeliers and vases with real flowers in them. It should be no news to anyone that the Upper East Side has seen a resurgence over the past few years. Please note: they are in no particular order. Theyll be surprised that you know of such under-the-radar places where you can eat however much you want, drink a bottle of wine, and wipe your mouth with a flowery cloth napkin. This intimate Lower East Side spot opened back in 2014(ish) and was super famous on Instagram for its chicken and waffle sliders. The menu here is Southern soul food-inspired, and they also serve barrel-aged cocktails and craft beers for a well-rounded, fun dining experience that you ant really get anywhere else! If youre on the Upper East Side, heres where you should go. To get to the hidden downstairs restaurant, you go through the kitchen and find yourself in another world downstairs. Okay, The Smith is like the basic betch of date spots, but I like it because its really just a reliable restaurant where you always will have a great time. If youre looking for a casual spot on the UES where you can sip on some craft beers and play your favorite board games, Workshop is a must. Once upon a time, on our third date, Sebastian and I went to the Bronx Little Italy and enjoyed a delicious Italian meal and wine tasting. If you like private dining, this is not the date for you. Just like The East Pole, you can get a macro bowl here, but you can also have a burger or a pork chop. Palma is romantic, hip, cozy and cute, with good Italian food. While deemed a bourbon bar, Bondurants obviously offers a long list of craft beers, cocktails and a large selection of whiskey. Karaoke night, every night. Okay okay, if you desperately dont want to just mosey around Chinatown then heres a trendy dim sum place for you. Define casual Somewhere that I don't feel like I am under dressed wearing jeans and a button down shirt. The TVs are almost always playing Saturday Night Fever, Soul Train episodes are projected onto the back wall and go-go dancers strut across the bar throughout the night. Jones Wood Foundry. If traditional Ukranian food isnt your scene, they do have pancakes and mac n cheese. An oldie but a goodie! If its still early-in-the-game, try The Milton. Im suggesting this place because we went there and it was delicious, but I feel confident that any restaurant on Arthur Avenue will do the trick. These places are fancier than your average weeknight dinner spot, but they arent so formal that youll freak out your date. Like!! The bar is cute and the restaurant is also adorable with 28 seats and an intimate setting. I also had the most awkward hinge date of my life here, but it would have been 1000000x more awkward if I were somewhere else. The reason I like Amelie as a first date spot is because it has solid romantic-ish/hip vibes, its very busy, and it s reliable for wine lovers who may want to eat, if the date is going well. After 9PM, theres a strict dress code *eye roll but also can be fun if youre into that* as they put on different evening shows every day of the week. If Filipino and Georgian food arent really your jam, heres a safe bet for the farm-to-table American food lovers out there. But thats why this place is great theyve got something for everyone, and the vibes are great. Theres a lot happening here, so let me break it down. The Penrose is one of my favorites. (They will if they like good food.) Its an intimate place with an outdoor garden for those warmer months. For first dates, I used to prefer lively vibes instead of awkwardly intimate spots. For example, my husband and I went to a medieval festival for our 3rd date. You cant live in NYC and not go to Veselka. Its also open late night, so you can also do a full dinner, then dessert after if youre feeling very adventurous and money is no object. But you dont come here for the plants and lanterns - you come for the the best Thai food in the area. Sebastian and I went to the East Village location this past weekend and had the best time! I think you need to see the menu for yourself to fully understand what Im saying. If you want to splurge King's Carriage House on 82nd near 2nd is very good. Order some duck that was raised within biking distance (probably) and have an heirloom something-or-other.
Balon is a nice little wine bar on 81st near 2nd that's nice and intimate. This is an adventurous first date spot its a hidden, intimate speakeasy located above a restaurant in the East Village. Unless you serve me gluten-free bread and alcohol-less wine, I will most likely have a great time. The menu boasts Korean cooking with French and Spanish influences and the cocktails are edgy and cool. All mussels are served in a pot, soaked in flavors ranging from sake and pickled ginger (The Geisha Girl) to spicy chorizo, olives and red wine (The Spaniard). At DTUT, cozy up on some couches and make eyes at your lover as you roast marshmallows and try to perfect that golden crisp. If you are really picky and if you feel any urge to blame me for a date gone wrong, please double check my recommendations to make sure its the right fit for you! If youve been to Nitehawk or Alamo Drafthouse, youre well aware of this kind of setup. In Hong Kong, dim sum brunch (AKA yum-cha) is a traditional Chinese meal where families get together to enjoy a multitude of dishes and tea. This is probably the priciest and most high-end on this list. A great spot to shake up your routine, the 2nd floor is located above the Second Avenue Deli. Theres a reason that nearly all of the best rom-coms out there were filmed in New York it is, after all, a with options. The menu boasts French-style cuisine with light bites or heavier entres. Ive been on a date here, and also have come here with girl friends. They also do steak, ceviche, and miso black cod (for some reason). You can get pancakes and mac n cheese anywhere. There are a lot of good tacos in the city these days, but this upscale Mexican restaurant still makes for good date. Check. Walk into any restaurant and get one dish. You can have some gnocchi in truffle sauce while you drink a little too much wine and ask what your dates insecurities are. The menu is American-influenced and the artichoke dip is supposed to be stellar.